october2023 - 40
DIAGNOSTIC TECH
Decoding automobile network
communication challenges
Gaining a deeper understanding of troubleshooting techniques and
resolutions for network communication issues in modern vehicles.
By Scott Brown, Technical Editor
Photo courtesy of Scott Brown
N
etwork communications are an essential part of
modern vehicle operations. Most vehicles today
possess multiple modules that use shared information
across different networks with some network protocols
being different. Certain modules are responsible for
linking these devices and other electronic systems in the
vehicle together. However, when communication faults
occur, they can surface various problems, from erratic
vehicle operation to warning messages announced on the
instrument cluster, along with decreased vehicle performance
and potential safety deficiencies. In this article, we
will discuss the common causes of automobile network
communication faults and troubleshooting techniques.
We'll go over some of the basic methods used in troubleshooting
network problems such as using an ohmmeter
to quickly assess an HSCAN network's wiring connection
integrity and how to go about checking for an intermittent
high resistance condition you suspect the vehicle of having.
40 Professional Distributor I October 2023 I VehicleServicePros.com
We'll also discuss how using a lab scope can be especially
useful when inspecting live network communication signals,
as well as some alternate diagnostic methods utilizing
different tools that may prove to be beneficial not only for
troubleshooting but for growing your knowledge on this
topic as well.
Today, the service technician responsible for troubleshooting
network communication problems must possess
a unique set of skills that will allow him or her to navigate
complex vehicle systems and drill down to locate and rectify
trouble. In some cases, the vehicle may have an intermittent
network problem, and this is where the job can become the
most difficult and time consuming.
In my opinion, network communication faults will
require the technician to possess the following at minimum:
Network basics: An understanding of the distinct types
of networks which each require a different approach. For this
article, we'll be focusing on HSCAN (high-speed controller
http://www.VehicleServicePros.com
october2023
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of october2023
Editor's Note – The road to success at trade shows
Sneak Peek
Most Wanted
2023 PTEN People's Choice Award Winners
In Focus
Cover Story – Pinpointing the sale
Diagnostic Tech – Decoding automobile network communication challenges
Show Me Your Truck – Taking a leap of faith
Go Sell Something – Catching the prospect that got away
Driving Sales – Tire & Wheel Service
Tales from the Road – The tool bank
october2023 - 1
october2023 - 2
october2023 - 3
october2023 - Editor's Note – The road to success at trade shows
october2023 - 5
october2023 - Sneak Peek
october2023 - 7
october2023 - 8
october2023 - 9
october2023 - 10
october2023 - 11
october2023 - Most Wanted
october2023 - 13
october2023 - 2023 PTEN People's Choice Award Winners
october2023 - 15
october2023 - 16
october2023 - 17
october2023 - 18
october2023 - 19
october2023 - 20
october2023 - 21
october2023 - 22
october2023 - 23
october2023 - In Focus
october2023 - 25
october2023 - 26
october2023 - 27
october2023 - 28
october2023 - 29
october2023 - 30
october2023 - 31
october2023 - Cover Story – Pinpointing the sale
october2023 - 33
october2023 - 34
october2023 - 35
october2023 - 36
october2023 - 37
october2023 - 38
october2023 - 39
october2023 - Diagnostic Tech – Decoding automobile network communication challenges
october2023 - 41
october2023 - 42
october2023 - 43
october2023 - 44
october2023 - 45
october2023 - 46
october2023 - 47
october2023 - 48
october2023 - 49
october2023 - Show Me Your Truck – Taking a leap of faith
october2023 - 51
october2023 - Go Sell Something – Catching the prospect that got away
october2023 - 53
october2023 - Driving Sales – Tire & Wheel Service
october2023 - 55
october2023 - 56
october2023 - 57
october2023 - Tales from the Road – The tool bank
october2023 - 59
october2023 - 60
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